Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are a crispy, golden-brown Mexican-inspired dish filled with seasoned beef and melty cheese. Wrapped in a flour tortilla and fried (or baked for a lighter version), these chimichangas are packed with bold flavors and perfect for a satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Cheesy – The perfect balance of crunch and gooey melted cheese.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick preparation.
- Customizable – Adjust fillings and toppings to suit your taste.
- Great for Leftovers – Store and reheat easily for a delicious next-day meal.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home – Skip takeout and enjoy homemade chimichangas!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Taco seasoning
- Tomato sauce
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- Large flour tortillas
- Vegetable oil (for frying) or cooking spray (for baking)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro
Directions
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Season and Simmer: Add garlic, taco seasoning, and tomato sauce. Stir well and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Assemble Chimichangas: Spoon the beef mixture onto the center of each tortilla, top with shredded cheese, and fold the sides in before rolling tightly.
- Fry or Bake:
- Frying: Heat vegetable oil in a pan and fry each chimichanga until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Baking: Place chimichangas seam-side down on a baking sheet, spray with cooking spray, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serve: Top with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and fresh cilantro.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Different Cheese – Try pepper jack, queso fresco, or a smoked cheese blend.
- Shredded Beef Option – Use slow-cooked beef instead of ground beef for a richer texture.
- Vegetarian Alternative – Swap beef for black beans and sautéed bell peppers.
- Air Fryer Version – Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap chimichangas individually in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes.
FAQs
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Baking at 400°F with a light coating of oil or cooking spray gives a crispy texture.
What’s the best cheese for chimichangas?
A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts well and adds great flavor.
Can I make chimichangas ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate them before frying or baking later.
What tortillas work best?
Large flour tortillas are best because they hold the filling and crisp up nicely.
How do I prevent chimichangas from unrolling?
Secure them tightly and place seam-side down while frying or baking.
Can I use corn tortillas?
Corn tortillas are not ideal for chimichangas as they may crack. Stick to flour tortillas.
What dipping sauces pair well?
Sour cream, salsa, queso, and guacamole are great options.
Can I use leftover taco meat?
Yes! Leftover taco-seasoned beef works perfectly for chimichangas.
What side dishes go well with chimichangas?
Serve with Spanish rice, refried beans, or a fresh avocado salad.
Can I air-fry these?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.
Conclusion
Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are a crispy, cheesy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for taco nights, casual dinners, or meal prep. Whether you fry, bake, or air fry them, these chimichangas deliver a satisfying crunch with every bite. Serve with your favorite toppings and sides for a delicious homemade meal.
Print
Beef and Cheese Chimichangas
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying or Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are crispy, golden-brown Mexican-inspired delights filled with seasoned beef and melty cheese. Fried or baked to perfection, these chimichangas offer bold flavors and satisfying crunch. Perfect for a restaurant-quality meal at home!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- 4 large flour tortillas
- Vegetable oil (for frying) or cooking spray (for baking)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Season and Simmer: Stir in garlic, taco seasoning, and tomato sauce. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Assemble Chimichangas: Place the beef mixture in the center of each tortilla, top with shredded cheese, fold the sides in, and roll tightly.
- Cook the Chimichangas:
- Frying: Heat oil in a pan and fry chimichangas until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chimichangas seam-side down on a baking sheet, spray with cooking spray, and bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air Frying: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serve: Top with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and fresh cilantro.
Notes
- Tortilla Choice: Large flour tortillas work best as they hold the filling and crisp up well.
- Prevent Unrolling: Secure chimichangas tightly and cook seam-side down first.
- Make It Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Shredded Beef Option: Swap ground beef for slow-cooked shredded beef for a richer texture.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute beef with black beans and sautéed bell peppers.
- Best Cheese Options: A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts beautifully for a gooey filling.
- Reheating Tips: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- Perfect Pairings: Serve with Spanish rice, refried beans, or a fresh avocado salad for a complete meal.
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